The Most Crucial Stage of the Season is Now

Tottenham Hotspur fans should have a very clear picture of exactly what their team can achieve this season come the end of January. Spurs play Manchester United at Wembley on the final day of that month, which is the last of five league games in January. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will then play Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus in quick succession and it is vital that they go into those three games off the back of a successful start to 2018. Things get underway with a trip to the Liberty Stadium to face off against a struggling Swansea City. The only negative for Spurs going into the match is the fact that the Swans have just appointed a new gaffer in the shape of Carlos Carvalhal. The former Sheffield Wednesday boss had recently been sacked by the Owls, but his managerial record has a positive look to it overall, and I fully expect Swansea City to show improved form under the Portuguese. Hopefully Carvahal’s impact won’t prove to be immediate.

A run of very winnable games follow. Two day’s later, Tottenham host West Ham prior to a home clash with Everton followed by a trip to St Mary’s. On current form, there is no reason why Spurs should not be capable of maximum points from these four encounters, a scenario which would set them up perfectly for Jose Mourinho’s under performing Manchester United side. I felt that Tottenham were a little naive when beaten 1-0 by Utd earlier in the season, and should definitely be looking to prove a point in the return fixture. Pochettino’s record against rival sides away from home is questionable, so it is imperative that his players continue to pick up points when playing teams in and around the top four at their current home Wembley Stadium.

There are no two ways about it, Liverpool away on February 4th is going to be a serious challenge. Free Bets Uk bookmakers will have Liverpool priced up as favourites for this match even though Tottenham made short work of Jurgen Klopp’s men when the two sides met at Wembley back in October. Since that defeat, Liverpool have gone on an excellent run and the form of Mohamed Salah has made all the difference. The 25 year old Egyptian is one of the most dangerous goalscorer’s in the Premier League as things stand and Mauricio Pochettino will need to find a way to nullify this threat. Spurs were poor at both Arsenal and Manchester City in recent times and it would be disappointing to see them fall tamely in another big stakes away clash. The Premier League title is now clearly out of reach for Tottenham Hotspur this term, but another Champions League berth is most certainly not. That could be something which is all but secure come February if the club can continue this good run of form.